Home / health / Top 5 Items To Pack For A Hospital Stay

Top 5 items to pack for a hospital stay

Top 5 items to pack for a hospital stay

A stay at the hospital is stressful regardless of the duration of the stay or its reason. While most hospitals strive to provide patients and guardians with adequate comfort, it is difficult to feel at ease away from home. Therefore, putting thought into what to pack is important. One must pack all the essentials and things that can make the stay more comfortable. To get started, here is a quick checklist that can help.

Toiletries
Always pack these basic necessities first: toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, deodorant, hairbrush, moisturizer, contact lenses, and their solution or eyeglasses.

Preferred blankets and pillows from home
Hospitals provide pillows, blankets, and bedding to all their patients. Yet one might not always find these comfortable. The blanket might be prickly, or the pillows might be too lumpy. Also, these are often plain in color and pattern, which may seem drab, particularly to young children, teenagers, or the elderly. So always pack in the comfiest pillows, blankets, and bedsheets from home according to the need.

Favorite pairs of socks and sweaters
Hospitals are usually quite cold due to the air conditioning turned down really low. Bringing along one’s favorite pair of songs and sweaters is, therefore, a good idea. Also, don’t forget to pack compression socks or stockings, especially if one is expected to sit or lie down for a long time during the hospital stay. These socks will help to improve the flow of blood through the veins in the legs. This will, in turn, prevent clots from forming, which is quite common for individuals who are on bed rest for a long duration.

Favorite books, journals, toys, or games
Staying at the hospital can be distressing or even dull sometimes. To keep one engaged, make sure to pack one’s favorite books or journals if one likes writing and reading. For kids, bring along their favorite plushies or games. One can also pack their favorite hobby-related things if they like knitting, crocheting, or puzzles.

Some extra clothes
Sometimes, it is not known how long the hospital stay may last. Also, it is always a good idea to be prepared for emergencies. Therefore, make sure to pack some extra clothes. This will save one from the extra stress as well as trips back home.

Recommended

5 most common food allergies

5 most common food allergies

Food allergy is common in both children and adults. It is a condition in which a person’s immune system erroneously identifies specific components in food, typically protein, as enemies. As a result, it triggers an immune response that causes inflammation and other symptoms, such as diarrhea, rashes, shortness of breath, and even life-threatening anaphylaxis. Though nearly any food can trigger an allergic reaction, the following are more likely to cause a problem. Peanuts Peanuts are one of the most common causes of food allergies in humans. And the biggest concern is that allergic reactions caused by them can be severe and potentially fatal. Researchers are not sure why some are allergic to peanuts, but they maintain that a family history of peanut allergy increases an individual’s risk. Milk Milk allergy is the most common food allergy in infants and young children. However, most children grow out of it as they age. The problematic components in milk are its proteins—whey and casein. Milk allergy must not be confused with lactose intolerance, which is the body’s inability to fully digest the natural sugar (lactose). Wheat Approximately two-thirds of children with wheat allergy grow out of it by adolescence. Nevertheless, many adults are allergic to any of the hundreds of proteins found in wheat, causing symptoms like nausea, abdominal pain, itching, and even anaphylaxis.
Odors as asthma triggers – What one needs to know

Odors as asthma triggers – What one needs to know

People who have eosinophilic asthma usually exhibit high levels of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell that helps build a strong immune system. However, when abnormally high levels of eosinophils come in contact with the cells present in the airways, they can cause inflammation. Eosinophilic asthma can also cause type-2 inflammation, resulting in decreased lung function. The following article specifically focuses on allergens like smells that trigger the symptoms of asthma. Symptoms of asthma A person who has inhaled asthma-triggering odors may exhibit symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing when exhaling, and frequent coughing. Shortness of breath may be caused due to decreased lung function or inflamed air passages in the case of eosinophilic asthma type-2 inflammation. Odors that trigger the symptoms of asthma The symptoms may be caused due to a variety of allergens, including dust, dander, or pollen. While these allergens can be avoided to a certain extent, allergens like gases and aerosols can be a challenge to avoid. Statistics suggest that more than 40 percent of people with asthma report health problems due to odors. The odors that trigger asthma symptoms include: Household smells These include air fresheners, chlorine and bleach (present in cleaning products), colognes and perfumes, deodorants, furniture polish (wood varnish), nail polish remover, fireplaces, and wood-burning stoves.
6 worst foods for people with breathing problems

6 worst foods for people with breathing problems

Leading a regular life becomes quite challenging when one faces breathing troubles sporadically. Breath-related issues, such as shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and pain or pressure in the chest are usually symptoms of lung diseases like MAC disease and COPD. Certain foods we regularly eat can negatively affect our lungs and exacerbate breathing problems. So, this article lists some common foods one must avoid to ease breathing issues and control MAC disease and COPD symptoms. 1. Fried foods Fried foods, such as French fries, fried chicken, and potato chips, are among the unhealthiest foods anyone can eat. These foods can cause gas and bloating, making breathing more difficult in those suffering from breath-related conditions. Fried foods, being calorie-dense, can also lead to weight gain, which increases pressure on the lungs. 2. Salty foods Too much salt spells more trouble when you’re suffering from breathing problems. That’s because salt, or sodium, can cause fluid retention in the body, triggering high blood pressure and shortness of breath. Steer clear of various high-salt foods like canned soup, pasta sauce, and tortilla chips, and replace salt with spices and herbs in dinner recipes. 3. Processed meats Ham, hot dogs, sausages, and other processed meats are usually loaded with nitrates to improve color and prolong shelf life.
Top easy at-home teeth whitening tips

Top easy at-home teeth whitening tips

Oral health is essential, but despite that, most often easily neglected by individuals. While it is recommended to visit a dentist regularly, there are some tips and tricks that we can use at home to make sure our teeth are healthy, clean, and white! Here are some ways on how you can keep your teeth shiny and white through safe and tested methods. Do speak to your dentist before using these tips regularly at home. Easy at-home teeth whitening tips Whitening trays and strips You can easily find reputed whitening strips and trays which contain a bleaching agent called hydrogen peroxide. These strips are applied directly to the enamel to see desirable results. Activated charcoal whitener Charcoal whiteners have three very effective ingredients, namely activated charcoal, bentonite, and an oil like orange seed oil. These whiten the teeth by getting absorbed into them. Teeth whitening pastes These pastes contain ingredients such as sodium bicarbonate, hydrated silica, and calcium carbonate that remove stains from the teeth and polish them. Whitening packs These whitening packs are to be applied directly onto your teeth. You can do so at night after brushing your teeth. The pack is to be used as per instructions.
Foods and remedies to help manage Parkinson’s

Foods and remedies to help manage Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s is a degenerative neurological disorder that commonly affects senior individuals. However, there are times when patients are diagnosed with the early onset of the condition. The disease is associated with a lower amount of dopamine in the brain and damaged nerve cells. Dealing with a condition such as Parkinson’s does not have a specific to-do not-to-do plan; however, there are certain foods that are believed to aid in its management. Foods that help manage Parkinson’s Bananas Bananas contain magnesium, a critical nutrient that helps lower the risk of spasm and muscle cramps. Patients with Parkinson’s are also low on dopamine, an essential neurotransmitter that regulates communication linked to movement. Bananas contain tryptophan and tyrosine, both key building blocks of dopamine that help supplement this requirement. Berries Studies reveal that free radicals can damage healthy brain cells and worsen the cognitive symptoms linked to Parkinson’s. Blueberries, cranberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, goji berries, and elderberries are loaded with essential antioxidants and vitamin C to combat this stress and boost cognitive function. Berries are also loaded with fiber that helps manage constipation, one of the critical discomforts linked to the disease. Broccoli Green vegetables are rich in fibers and antioxidants that actively help combat oxidative stress to minimize dopamine loss.
6 superfoods that help reduce cholesterol levels

6 superfoods that help reduce cholesterol levels

Cholesterol is a naturally-produced essential fatty substance in the body. The type of fat found in the blood helps the body build healthy cells, thereby ensuring it functions smoothly. However, excess cholesterol is harmful as it can lead to fatty deposits in the blood vessels, narrow or clog the arteries and increase the risk of heart conditions. Below are six foods that help lower cholesterol levels and also improve heart health. 6 superfoods that help lower cholesterol levels Apples Apples are rich in a type of soluble fiber called pectin that brings down cholesterol levels by about 10 percent. It also helps reduce triglycerides, which is a type of fat in the blood. In addition to their fibrous content, apples also contain polyphenols, which could help control cholesterol levels. Avocados Avocado contains monounsaturated fatty acids or MUFAs, which keep the cholesterol levels in check and help in keeping the heart healthy. This fruit contains about 10 grams of fiber. You can pair it with whole grain, pumpernickel, or rye toast to make it even more fibrous. Add a squeeze of lemon juice or sprinkle some herbs like oregano for extra flavor. Dark chocolate Cocoa in dark chocolates contains flavonoids that control blood pressure levels and lower cholesterol.